GERMAN WWII M42 COMBAT LEATHER Y-STRAPS (TRAGEGELLE) - ORIGINAL

This is an original German M42 combat leather Y-strap or suspenders (Tragegestelle).

These Y-straps were introduced in 1942. 

Y-straps with auxiliary straps or “Koppeltragegestell aus Leder mit Hilfstrageriemen” was meant to distribute the weight of the equipment evenly.

There were many minor changes during WW2 including switching the hardware to steel from aluminum and changing he straps from a stud to a slide.  

Manufacturers made different D-rings and hook sizes and types during this period.